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Learn the Basics of Redistricting

What is Redistricting?

Redistricting is the redrawing of election boundary lines for political, administrative or other public bodies that elect its membership by district. This includes but is not limited to congressional representatives, state representatives, local town and county councils, commissions, school boards and many other offices elected by voters in districts.  Read more. 

 

News and Updates

Redistricting

How the Census Bureau and NCSL Modernized America’s Redistricting System

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) offers an engaging look at how its decades-long partnership with the U.S. Census ...
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Census Data and GeographyRedistricting Prep

Watch: NCSL 2030 Census Prep Webinar – Local Update of Census Addresses

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) hosted a June 2025 webinar entitled, “LUCA: Improving Census Data. Here’s How, Starting ...
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Enacting a Redistricting MapLocal Redistricting

An Overview of Local Redistricting

An in‐depth look at how local redistricting unfolds, key hurdles jurisdictions face, proven best practices, a general timeline, and how ...
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Enacting a Redistricting MapLocal Redistricting

Review: Local Election Official’s Guide to Redistricting

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) Local Election Officials’ Guide to Redistricting serves as a practical roadmap for local jurisdictions ...
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Basics Video

What is Redistricting?

What is Redistricting?

Here is everything you wanted to know about redistricting but were afraid to ask. Start here ... Read More
Basics: Census Data & Geography

Basics: Census Data & Geography

The decennial census data and geography supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau is a critical tool for redistricting in the ... Read More
Basics: Gerrymandering

Basics: Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of political district boundaries to benefit an identifiable group such as a racial or political group ... Read More
Basics: Enacting a Map

Basics: Enacting a Map

Drawing a redistricting map is fraught with controversy. Enacting the official map can be just as challenging. Here's how states ... Read More
Basics: Equal Population

Basics: Equal Population

Equal Population among political districts is a constitutional principle that necessitates periodic redrawing of district boundaries - or redistricting ... Read More
Basics: Preparing for Redistricting

Basics: Preparing for Redistricting

Preparing for redistricting has its challenges. It is a process that normally occurs once every ten years and involves many ... Read More
Basics: Redistricting Litigation

Basics: Redistricting Litigation

Redistricting litigation is common in all fifty states. Here is a review of the constitutional and statutory claims associated with ... Read More
Basics: Race in Redistricting

Basics: Race in Redistricting

The role of race in redistricting ... Read More
Basics: Rules, Criteria, Principles

Basics: Rules, Criteria, Principles

In addition to legal requirements, redistricting involves many other operating rules and principles that often conflict ... Read More
Basics: Who's Responsible for Redistricting?

Basics: Who’s Responsible for Redistricting?

Who's responsible for drawing redistricting maps in your state? ... Read More